Simple magnetism and magnetic fields: past paper questions
Real questions on simple magnetism and magnetic fields
The newest 19 of 19 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 5054/21 · October/November 2024 · Q6a[1]
State a substance from which the bar magnet could be made.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2024 · Q6b[3]
Fig. 6.1 shows a view from above of the bar magnet with the N pole, the S pole and the thin rod labelled. (b) The thin rod is perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces of the bar magnet. N thin rod S Draw on Fig. 6.1 to show the pattern and the direction of the magnetic field around the bar magnet. Fig. 6.1 (viewed...
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2024 · Q6c(i)[2]
Draw arrows on Fig. 6.2 to show the direction of the horizontal forces that act on the poles of the bar magnet.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2024 · Q7a(i)[1]
On Fig. 7.1 mark the magnetic poles on the bar magnet.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2024 · Q7a(ii)[3]
There is a piece of paper underneath the magnet. Describe how the compass is used to plot the magnetic field line that passes from one pole to the other and through P.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2024 · Q7a(iii)[1]
Describe how to use the compass in Fig. 7.1 to determine the direction of the magnetic field at P.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2022 · Q6a(i)[2]
The top magnet floats in the air above the bottom magnet. On Fig. 6.1, mark the poles on the top magnet and explain why it floats in the air above the bottom magnet.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2022 · Q6a(ii)[2]
The top magnet is replaced with a ring made of iron. Explain why the iron ring sticks to the bottom magnet.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2022 · Q6b[2]
A wire carrying a current passes at right angles through a piece of paper. Fig. 6.2 shows a cross and circle where the current in the wire passes into the plane of the paper. piece of paper wire Fig. 6.2 On Fig. 6.2, sketch three magnetic field lines to show the magnetic field pattern around the wire. Show the directio...
See it on the paper → - 5054/41 · May/June 2021 · Q4b(i)[3]
Describe how she uses a plotting compass to plot the pattern of the magnetic field between the magnets.
See it on the paper → - 5054/41 · May/June 2021 · Q4b(ii)[1]
On Fig. 4.1, draw the shape of the magnetic field that she observes inside the box indicated by the dashed lines.
See it on the paper → - 5054/42 · May/June 2021 · Q4a[3]
Describe how the student uses the plotting compass to plot the pattern of the magnetic field when the switch in the circuit is closed. You may add to Fig. 4.1 to help you explain your answer, if you wish.
See it on the paper → - 5054/42 · May/June 2021 · Q4b[1]
State what else the student can deduce about the magnetic field in this investigation.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · October/November 2020 · Q9a[1]
Underline the material in the list from which it is possible to make a strong, permanent magnet. aluminium copper glass iron mercury plastic steel
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · October/November 2020 · Q9b[4]
Describe an experiment to plot the pattern and the direction of the magnetic field surrounding the magnet. You may draw on Fig. 9.1, if you wish.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2020 · Q9b(i)[4]
On Fig. 9.2, draw the pattern of the magnetic field inside and around the coil. Mark the direction of this magnetic field.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2020 · Q9b(ii)[1]
On Fig. 9.2, mark the N-pole of the coil.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · October/November 2019 · Q7a(i)[1]
Explain why there is a force on side AB.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · October/November 2019 · Q7a(ii)[6]
Determine the direction of the current in AB and state how the direction is deduced.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Magnetic poles were almost always correctly added to the diagram. The most common error was the omission of the S pole at the top of the iron ring. The repulsion of like poles was commonly understood and explained Weaker candidates sometimes suggested that “like charges repel”.
— Examiner report, May/June 2022, 5054/22 Q6(a)(i) (Cambridge)
This question was less well answered with a common explanation being that the iron is attracted as it is magnetic. Stronger candidates recognised that magnetism is induced into the iron ring because of the permanent magnet. Some candidates stated that the iron ring is attracted to the magnet because it is made of metal.
— Examiner report, May/June 2022, 5054/22 Q6(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
Most candidates drew, or attempted to draw, three circular field lines and the majority added arrowheads in the correct direction. The magnetic field patterns of bar magnets and electric field patterns of a charge were seen in some answers.
— Examiner report, May/June 2022, 5054/22 Q6(b) (Cambridge)
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